In this symposium we will highlight the Studievoorschotmiddelen (SVM) projects: we would like to show and inspire you with some successful projects that are currently taking place. Different SVM projects from several faculties will be highlighted during the break-out sessions. You will see best practices and gain knowledge on how to implement similar innovations in your faculty. Some of these practices involve: innovative testing methods; online communication skills training; programs that connect society and science; tools to better prepare students for class… and more!

Many teachers, university support staff and managements are involved in innovations in university education, especially at the course level. Different strategies have been implemented by universities to stimulate innovation in education, such as innovation funds, design communities, qualifications in education, and so on. But who is involved in these (course) innovations (and who is not)? What type of innovations are they aiming at? How are these innovations being implemented? And with what effect? In his lecture, based on his inaugural lecture, Perry den Brok will start with mapping a few trends and developments in higher education that drive educational innovations. After this, he will share findings of a series of studies on educational innovations at the engineering universities in the Netherlands. These findings have resulted in a framework that both teachers and policy makers can use to strengthen their innovation projects, and that lead to some recommendations for stimulating and conducting educational (course) innovation. He will end with some examples of how educational innovation is being stimulated by the 4TU Centre of Engineering Education, of which he is chair.